With demanding schedules and tight budgets, some contractors see industry associations as a waste of their time and money. However, construction trade associations offer numerous benefits. They not only keep you on top of important industry trends and developments, but also facilitate networking with like-minded professionals. Below are some of benefits of joining a contractor’s association.
Getting the Most Out of Joining a Construction Trade Association
- Networking: By being a part of construction trade associations, you will be able to interact with people like you — business owners in your industry, or adjacent industries. Building relationships with your fellow professionals can help you become a better leader and deepen your industry ties. If you find yourself in need of a subcontractor, you will have a reliable network to consult.
- Education: Association membership typically includes subscriptions to newsletters and magazines, access to seminars and conferences, and other industry-specific educational resources. Staying up to date on the happenings of your industry — emerging trends, important legislation, and best practices — is crucial for maintaining long-term success.
- Credibility Boost: Membership in trade associations sends a positive image to potential customers. It shows initiative, engagement, and commitment to your trade and the current market developments. Construction trade associations benefit more than you and your employees, but also your company itself.
- Training: Associations often extend various training, licensure, and certification opportunity to its members. Employees must be trained to meet the latest government requirements, and associations make it easier for businesses to remain in compliance.
- Technical Support: Have questions about construction specifications? Many construction trade associations have technical departments that provide a national standard for construction specifications, how much to charge clients, what products to buy, how to write contracts, and more. Whether you turn to the association itself or the members you are close with, you can find support.
- Group Purchasing: Larger groups have greater buying power than individuals. By sticking together and purchasing supplies as an aggregate group, you have the opportunity to cut costs and save some money.
To reap these benefits, it takes more than paying your annual dues. Be an active member within your association by investing time and energy in activities.
If you are not yet a member of any trade associations, here is a list of several construction associations to consider joining:
American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
American Subcontractors Association, Inc. (ASA)
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC)
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
Construction Industry CPAs/Consultants Association (CICPAC)
Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA)
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Preferred Contractors Association (PCA)
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)
Conduct an online search to find more trade associations. Be aware that some offer regional and national associations and choose what works best for you and your business.